Switching mechanism



J. H. WYATT SWITCHING MECHANISM Filed 06;. '19, 921

3 Sheets-Sheet 1 ATTORNEY Feb. 24.- 192s. 1,527,725

1 J. H. WYATT SWITCHING MECHANISM s Sh s-Shet 2 Filed 0 J. H. WYKTT SWITCHING MEcHANIsM Filed 001:. '19, 192 s Sheets-Sheet 5.-

ll MiG l2 ATTORNEY Patented Feb. 24, 1925.

UNITED STATES 1,527,725 PATENT OFFICE.

JAMES H. WYATT, OF KIRKLYN, PENNSY OF TREDYFFRIN TOWNSHIF, CHESTER COUNTY, PENNSYLVANIA.

SWITCHING LVANIA, ASSIGNOR- TO WILLIAM M. SCOTT,

MECHANISM.

Application filed October 19, 1921. Serial No. 508,900.

To all whom it may concern.

Be it known that I, JAMES H. IVYATT, a citizen of the United States, residing in Kirklyn, Delaware County, State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Switching Mechanism, of which the following is a specificatioi'i.

My invention relates to electrical switch ing mechanism utilizable in various relations, as the control of a circuit or circuits traversed by current for lighting, power, telephone, or other purposes.

In one of its aspects, my invention resides in multiple throw switching mechanism comprising a plurality of switches operable in such way that all may not be simultaneously in normal, generally closed, position, and upon closure of one switch another is positively opened.

In another of its aspects my invention resides in a plurality of multiple throw switching mechanisms provided with interlocking means enforcing or allowing a predetermined sequence of switch operation.

In another of its aspects my invention resides in a system of or switching mechanism for controlling a plurality of sources of current or other electrical devices, as currentconsuming devices, translating devices, or the like, for bringing two or more of such devices into co-operative relation.

In another of its aspects my invention resides in a plurality of toggle-operated switches operable in opposite senses by a common operating member.

My invention resides in the features of structure and system hereinafter described.

For an illustration of one of various forms 11 y invention may take, reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a side elevation of apparatus embodying my invention.

Fig. 2 is a. front elevation of the same.

Figs. 3 and 4: are perspective views of interlock structures.

F ig. 5 is a diagrammatic view of a circuit arrangement in which my switching mechanism is utilizable.

Referring to the drawings, 1 is a base of insulating material, as slate or the like, upon which are mounted side by side two pairs or groups of double throw switches.

In the example illustrated, the pairs of switches are similar, and a description of one will sett e fer t e ether;

In Fig. 1, there are shown in side elevation one pair of switches, the left hand pair of Fig. 2, together with the interlocks c0- operating with both pairs.

Secured upon the base 1 are the main contact terminals 2, 3 and 4:, with which elect-rical connection is made through the studs 5, 6 and 7, extending through the base 1.

Adapted to bridge and connect the terminals 2 and 3 is the movable laminated contact member 8 carried by the arm 9 pivoted at 10 to the bracket or housing 11 se cured upon the base 1. Movable with the bridging contact 8 is the movable shunt contact 12 co-acting with the stationary shunt contact 13, the contacts 12 and 13 separating, as well understood in the art, after the bridge 8 separates from main terminal and the shunt contacts engage each other in advance of engagement of the terminal 3 by the bridging member 8, the shunt contact 12 having electrical connection at 14 with the lower terminal 2.

Pivoted to the arm 9 at- 15 is the toggle link 16 pivoted at 17 to the toggle link 18 pivoted to the bracket 11 at19. In the c cuit closing position indicated in Fig. 1, the toggle 16, 18 is overtravelled in that the center of the pivot 15 is slightly below the im a-ginary straight line joining the centers of the pivots 17 and 19. In virtue of this overtravel, the bridging member 8 is retained or restrained in circuit closing position. Pivoted to the bracket 11 at 20 is the operating lever or member 21, which may be operated by any suitable source of power. In the example illustrated, the member 21 is manually operated, and for this purpose is provided with a handle 22. The member 21 is integral with or fined to the toggle link 2?) pivoted at 2 1 to the toggle link whose other end is pivoted at 17. The links 23 and 25 constitute an under-travelling toggle in that the center of the pivot 24 is always to the left of the'line joining the centers of pivots 17 and 20 for the circuit closing position of the member 8. In vertical alignment with the upper switch de scribed is a lower switch comprising the movable laminated contact member 26 carried by the arm 27 pivoted at 28 to the housing or bracket 29 secured upon the base 1. It is adapted to bridge and connect the main terminals 2 and 4, and as in the case of the upper switch, is provided with movable and stationary shunt contacts 12 and 13, respec tively. As to both switches, the shunt con-' tacts may be of metal or of carbon, or one of metal and the other of carbon. In the example illustrated, themovable shunt con-' strai'ns; it in circuit; closing position. Piv-.

oted at 32 is a toggle link 35 pivoted at 36 to the arm or'extension 37 integral with or secured tothe lever 21. v The links 35 and. 37 V constitute an undertravelling togglefor actuating the toggle 31, 33.

' Upon moving the lever 21 upwardly, rotatingit in counterclockwise direction about its piv0t20, Fig. 1, the toggle23, 25. pulls downwardly; upon the pivot 17, forcing the toggle 16, 18. to move from 'overtravelled to .undertra-velled position, thereby unlocking orrfreemg the bridging member 8, which moves to open clrcuit position. As thelever 2,1 isrotated as above described to open the upper switch, the link 35 moves upwardly, thereby operating upon the toggle 31, 33, which moves the bridging member 26 into circuit closing position in engagement with terminals 2 and 4, thetoggle 31, 33 overtravelling and restrainingv the bridging. member in circuit closing position. In so. operating,the toggle pivots .32, 36 and 20 come almost into line with each other, but the toggle 35, 37 remains.undertravelled. The lower. switch is now closed and the upper is open. To close the upper and open the lower switch, itis only necessary to move the-handle 21 in clockwise direction,whereupon the overt-ravelled toggle 31, 33 is moved to undertravelled position, freeing and openingtthe contactmember 26, and simultaneously the toggle 23, 25 operates upon'the toggle 16, 18 to close. the upper switch and restrain it in circuit closing position due to the overtravel of toggle 16, 18. V

' The-disposition of the parts is preferably such that the bridging members 8 and26 cannot be simultaneously in circuitclosing position, i

. As viewed in Figs. 2 and 5, the right hand pair ofswitches-is "similar to the pair above described, and comprises, as indicated in Fig.5, the main terminals 2 3 and 4 with which co-act 'the bridging members 3 and 26. 1 Pivoted at 38 is the transversely extending bar 39 consisting of sections mechanically Q connected, but insulated from each other,

by theinsulating member 40. The bar mechanically connects the cam, lever or trigger 41 with the latch-or dog .42, the: former co- 'acti-n with a roller 4'3 'ca-rr-ied b r or movable with the bridging member 8, and the latter co-actin-g with a roller 44 carried by or movable with the bridging member 8 of the right hand switch. Tit-h the bridging member 8 in the circuit closing position as indicated in Fig. 1, thejroller 43 holds the member 41 in elevated position, thereby holding the latch 42 free of the roller 44,

the bridging member 8, however, the roller.

43 engages the underside of the cam or member 41, rotating'it in counter-clockwise ,directioinas viewed in Flgs. 1 and ,3, and .so ll'fillllg the latch 42, and allowing subsequent closure of the br-idgingniember 8 Extending across between. the lower switches of the two pairs is the bar 45, divided into. sections mechanically connected to. and insulated from each other by the insulating member 46. The bar. 45 is pivoted at 47 Figs. 1, 4 and 5,-and at itsrleft end carries a dog or latch 48, similar to latch/42,

adapted to ,cofact with the roller 49 carried by or movable with the bridging member 26. At its opposite end the bar 45. carries the cam, lever or trigger 50, similar to member 41, and co-acts with the-roller 51 carried by or movable with the bridging member 26 The action oflthis interlock is similar to that described in connection with the upper switches, except that there is reversal in that the dog or latch 48 holds or blocks the bridging member 26 in open position until the roller 51, movingwi-th the bridging member 26*, engages and actuates the member 50.

It will accordingly be understood that with the bridging member 8 closed and the member 26 open, as indicated in Figs.

1 and 5, and with the bridging mem-". ber 8 closed and the member .26 open, the

bridging member 26 islocked in open position by dog 48 and cannot be closed until the bridge 26 is closed to lift the dog48 and until the operating handle 21 of the left hand pair is operated to open bridging member 8. Bridging member 8 in so opening allows the members 41 and. 42 torotate in clockwise direction, under the influence of gravlty, and in so doing the dog '42 moves and due further to the interlocking structures, it is possible to procure several different combinations of switch positions with limitations as to sequence of operat on.

For an example ofone embodiment of my invention and of one; mode 'ofalse of my switching apparatus, reference is had to Fig. 5, wherein B, B and B are three devices of any character or characters, as sources of current, current-consuming devices, translating devices, or any other electrical devices, it being understood that one or more may be of one character and the others of another character or characters.

In the example illustrated, however, the devices B, B and B are sources of current, as storage batteries, such, for example, as are employed in a telephone system for supplying the current for the microphone circuits, etc. In such a system it is sometimes desirable to switch into circuit with the main battery, as B, one or more additional batteries, as B B, as the load on the system increases, as at peak load hours of the day.

ith the upper left switch open and the lower left switch closed, the battery 13 only is in circuit, delivering current in such case through the lower switch 26 to a circuit including the conductor 52, the return portion of the circuit being by way of conductor 53, or, in an earth system, by way of earth connection 5 1:.

If, now, it is desired to introduce in series with the battery B an additional battery E the operating handle 21 of the left hand pair of switches is moved in clockwise direction, Fig. 1, thereby closing the upper switch 8 and opening the lower switch 26. The switch 26 must be in closed position, in which case the switch 8 is necessarily open because of their interconnection through their operating mechanisms. Accordingly, in series with the battery 13 is the battery B whose positive terminal connects through the lower switch 26, now closed, with the terminal 2 which is connected with the terminal 8 of the upper switch 8, which is now closed, thereby connecting the two batteries B and B in series to the conductor 52. If, now, it is desired to switch in the additional battery B the operating handle 21 of the right hand pair is moved downwardly or in clockwise direction, as viewed in Fig. 1, thereby opening switch 26 and closing switch 8 closure of the switch 8 under these circumstances is not prevented, because the switch 8 is already closed and the mem-' her all has been rotated to position to elevate dog 42, thereby permitting closure of the switch 8*. As the switch 26 opens, as last described, the trigger 50 and dog 4E8 rotate in clockwise direction, under the influence of gravity, and the lock l8 engages the roller -Lt9 of switch 26, looking it in open position. This is the position of the parts indicated in Fig. 5. Accordingly, the batteries B, B and B are in series with each other through the upper switch Li and the upper switch 8 to the conductor 52.-

It is not now possible to close switcl and thereby return to the condition where battery B only is in circuit, because the switch 26 is locked open by the latch 4-8. It is first necessary to close switch 26, which is accompanied by the opening of the switch 8, thereby cutting out the battery B but leaving battery B in circuit. But closure of switch 26 lifts latch 18, whereupon switch 26 may be closed, accompanied by opening of switch 8, thus cutting out battery B and leaving battery B only in circuit.

To have only the main battery B in circuit, the lower left switch 26 only need be closed, in which case the upper right hand switch 8 should be open and the lower right hand switch 26 in closed position.

In general, the sequence of operation is first to operate the lever 21 of the left hand pair to close the switch 8 and open the switch 26, and then to operate the-lever 21 of the right hand pair to close the switch 8 and open the switch 26 The reverse operation is to move the lever 21 of the right hand pair to open the upper right hand switch and close the lower right hand switch, and then operate the lever 21 of the left hand pair to open the upper left hand switch 8.

Accordingly, by two pairs of double throw switches, suitably interlocked, either one. two or three devices, as the aforesaid batteries, or any other devices, may be brought into series relation.

lVith the switch 8 open, the switch 8 cannot be closed because locked open by the latch 42, which latch also indirectly locks the switch 26 against opening by the mechanism common to the switches 8 and 26 Similarly, when the switch 26 is open. the switch 26 is locked open if the switch 8 is closed, the latch 48 locking the switch 26 open and also locking the switch 8 against opening by the mechanism common to the switches 8 and 26.

\Vith the arrangement and operation above described, switches 8 and are never simultaneously closed. and the same is true of switches 8 and 26. During the switch ing operation above described, therefore, there may be instants when the circuit 52. 53 is open, but for an extremely short time. If complete rupture of the circuit during the switching operation is to be prevented, the usual introduction of resistances may be resorted to. However, with the mechanism as disclosed, if the movable shunt contacts 12 of the switches project far enough toward their co-acting stationary shunt contacts, the shunt contacts of the two switches of a pair may simultaneously be in closed position for the instants referred to, and when both shunt contacts of a pair or one of them is of carbon or other suitably high resistance material, the circuit 52, 53 will not be com-- pletely opened in making the transfers.

What I claim is:

l. The combination with a plurality of &

switches, of a plurality of toggle mecha nisms for actuating each of the switches, one of the toggle mechanisms of each switch overtravelling, and a toggle member common to said toggle mechanisms for actuating them in unison for moving one of said switches to normal position and another to abnormal position.

2. The combination with a plurality of switches, of a'plurality of toggle mechanisms for actuating each of said switches, a toggle member common to one of the tog gle mechanisms of each switch and serving to actuate the toggle mechanisms to move one of said switches to normal position and another to abnormal position.

3. The combination with a plurality of switches, of an overtravelling toggle for moving each of said switches to and restraining it in normal position, a second toggle operating each of said toggles, a member common to said second toggles for actuating them to move one of said switches to normal and another to abnormal position.

4. The combination with a plurality of switches, of an overtravelling toggle for moving each of said switches to and restraining it in normal position, a second undertravelling toggle operating eachof said toggles, a member common to said second toggles for actuating them to move one of said switches to normal and another to abnormal position.

5. A double throw switch comprising movable laminated contact members disposed in substantially vertical alignment, an overtravelling toggle for each contact member for actuating it to and restraining it in circuit closing position, a secondundertravelling toggle actuating each of said overtravelling toggles, and a toggle mem ber common to said second toggles for actuating them simultaneously,.one of them to move one of said contact members to open position and the other to closed position.

6. A double throw switch comprising movable contact members, a toggle for actuating each of said contact members, sec ond toggle for actuating each of said toggles, and an operating lever and alink, of each of said second toggles secured in fixed relation with respect to each other, whereby movement of said operating lever movesone of saidcontact members to closed position and the other to open position.

7. In combinat on, aplural'ty -otpairs of switches, operating 7 mechanism for the switches jofeach paircansing movement of the switches of the pair moppo's te sensesas regards jcircuit closure, means for restraining at'least one switch of apairin one of its positions, a member for looking a switch of: one of the pairsin a predetermined position as regards circuit closure,

and a second member operating said member under the control of the operating mechanism of another pair.

, 8. In combination, a plurality of pairs of switches, operating mechanism for the switches of each pair causing movement of the switches of the pair in opposite senses as regards circuit closure, a member for looking a switch of one otthe pairs in a predetermined position as regards circuit.

closure, and a second member operating said member under the control of a switch of another pair.'

9. In combination, a plurality of pairs of switches, operating mechanism for the of switches, operating mechanism for the switches of each pair causing movement of the switches of the pair in opposite senses as regards circuit closure, a member for looking a switchof one of the pairs in open position and actuated by closure of a switch of another pair to free said switch of. said one of. the pairs, and a memberrfor holding the other switch of said other of said pairs in open position and actuated by movement of the other switch of said one of said pairs to circuit closing position to free said other switch of said other of said pairs.

' 11. In combination, a plurality of pairs of switches, operating mechanism for the switches of each pair causing movement 01" the switches or" the pair in opposite senses as regards circuit closure, means for re-' straining each or the switches of a pair. in

one of its positions, and a memberoperated by the operating mechanism of one pair of switches for looking a switch of another pair in a predetermined position as regards circuit closure. 7 j

12. In combination, a plurality of pairs of switches, operating mechanism for the swltches of each pair causlng movement of the switches of the pair in opposite senses as regards circuit closure, said operating mechanism' comprising an over-travelling toggle for each switch for restraining it. in

one of its positions, and a member operated by the operating mechanism of one pair of vswitchesifor looking a switch of another pair in a predetermined position as regards circuit closure.

In testnnony whereof I have hereunto affixed my signature this 18th dayotOctoQ ber, 1921;

AM H w th??? 

